The holidays have come to an end and the littles ones are back at school. Between family events, late night binges and movie marathons, getting back to their normal routine can be quite tricky for the children. The parents and teachers too may discover some challenges to get the children to focus and perform at school post vacation.
To make structure truly effective, implementing a routine for every child is highly recommended by the Early Development experts, not just regarding the behavioural approach, but as a way of life. Studies also examine that setting routines augment the social and emotional health of a child by 42 percent. It helps them absorb what’s expected of them and brings a sense of discipline needed for their holistic development.
Here are a few proactive tips for parents and teachers to ease the transition with children.
- Revise the old routine again. Consistency in schedules set a fertile ground for expectations, building good habits, and improving discipline in your child. Waking up with together every morning for school, performing tasks together or even bedtime reading post dinner ensures that the child focuses on school and behaves in suitable ways. For teachers, it’s always great to review the curriculum and discuss the opportunities and adventures of the week ahead. Take a moment to personally discuss with them the activities of the day and how delighted you are to welcome them back at campus.
- Prepare them former to the opening of schools. Nothing makes it easier to get back into a routine than to prepare for it. Remind the child that they will be returning to campus and reinforce the positive sides of school like using new stationeries and reconnecting with their favourite teachers, friends, and favourite subjects.
- Hang an illustrated poster of the routine and communicate with your child. This could be a fun way to spend quality time together that aids connectivity and commitment from their end.
- Praise your child on the progress their doing. Everyone needs a little motivation to follow the rules. Appreciate them in ways that they feel seen when they have managed to get ready on time for the school bus or tease them with a little treat in their lunch box.
It is apparent that the children are feeling a roller coaster of emotions getting back to routine and school. They often pigeonhole themselves to feeling low and apathetic but the constant acceptance and reassurance by their parents and teachers works phenomenally for a fresh start and long-term learning and development.